Dusk On A Northern Lake

Dusk On A Northern Lake

14 x 18"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold

(commission)

This. I am proud of this painting. And I am proud of the little 6x6 daily painting 

(below) which acted as its study. 

 Dusk in a Ravaged Land

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold

The reason I am proud is that the photo I used, which I took on my painting and canoe adventure in 2013, is in reality rather yawnsville. There is nothing overwhelmingly beautiful about it; basically it was an overcast and very green afternoon. I rarely show my reference photos, but decided that in this instance I would because it really helps illustrate the vision for this piece.

When I paint, my goal is to create a striking image of a Saskatchewan landscape; a painting with atmosphere, emotion, light and, often, drama. I am not a great photographer, far from it, so when I take my photos they are meant to be a jumping off point and a reminder to myself of the wonder I saw in that moment. It is then my job to articulate that feeling, mood and memory in paint or tweak things so that you see what I feel about the place.

The canoe trip in August 2013 got off to a rocky, and somewhat terrifying, start with an extremely intense storm hitting us on our last portage to base camp on the first day. After that, the weather cleared and the next few days were serene, solitary and breathtaking. These are the things I wanted this painting to express, so I consciously made the changes I needed to convey that message.You can read about the painting and canoe trip at these links:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

I am proud of this piece because my photo likely does not help you fully understand how I felt about this place, but hopefully the painting does.

My reference photo is below for you to compare. What do you think?

photo © Nicki Ault, 2013

Oh, and I have a third painting (24 x 24") in progress at the studio that is riffing off these two!

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Wild Poppies

Wild Poppies

(commission)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold

I was recently asked to do a little prairie scene with red poppies as a special birthday gift for someone who adores this flower. I am told she loved, loved, LOVED it! Of course that makes me very happy.

Faux Island at Paignton and Makeover Monday!

Faux Island at Paignton

(after)

12 x 36"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold

Last November, as I was organizing and hanging paintings in my studio space for Open Studio, I came to a realization... I had gone through a "blue" period! Until then I was completely oblivious to how much blue existed in my recent work, but it became rather apparent as I tried to hang the paintings as a group. I ended up bringing some art from home to break up the sea of ultramarine! 

That discovery led me to revisit this painting. I quite liked the "before". I had actually painted the day as it was, I remember it clearly. I had taken my sons out to the beach at the Narrows in Waskesiu to try out the new dingy one of them received for Christmas. It was a very blue day; the water, the sky, even the air felt blue, but I became curious about taking a different approach to the sky. I ended up creating a dusky atmosphere and I toned down the aqua hues in the distant water. This late-day light meant I added some warmer tones to the trees and horizon line. Small changes, but effective. 

Happily this revised painting sold last week as a gift to commemorate a special birthday!

Faux Island at Paignton

(before)

12 x 36"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2017

Wake Up!

Wake Up!

8x8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

I'm a night owl, so sunsets are more my thing, but my goal over the next six months is to try to catch some sunrises. I want to compare the different energy, different colours, different light and different mood. I'm curious.

Troubled Waters

Troubled Waters

8x8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

available at Darrell Bell Gallery

Lots of brushwork to love in this one - especially in the sky. I also love the distant horizon where things look a little more hopeful. And then there's wild green water.

Prairie Powerhouse

Prairie Powerhouse

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

This is an example of the dramatic skies for which Saskatchewan is known. In fact "Land of Living Skies" is on our license plates.

Light Show and In Full Bloom

Light Show

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

This was my first attempt at the Northern Lights! I have seen them several times up at the lake and a couple of times in town, but the city lights make them hard to see. I remember years ago at the lake they were absolutely spectacular! I went with my memory of that night to create this image. Unfortunately the green and purple colours in the sky were difficult to photograph.

In Full Bloom

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

I took my resource photo for this painting early last July. I finally got around to making an attempt at it and I am thrilled with the results. Flax can be elusive to find and it is even harder to paint because it can look like water in the field. Working up the purple, blue and periwinkle colours in layers helped me get the effect I was looking for.

I am thrilled to say that both of these paintings sold very quickly once they got to Darrell Bell Gallery.

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Dissipating Storm

Dissipating Storm

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

I am getting ready to do another big painting with this colour palette and this little study helped me remember the combo of colours I mixed for "Pewter And Platinum Glow" and "Shine Your Light". I'm excited to see if I can pull off a 30x48 canvas and get the water shimmering like it is here.

February Hymnal

February Hymnal

8x8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery, 2019

A soft winter serenade

Dramatic Exit

Dramatic Exit

8x8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery, 2019

I love the burning red sky in this one.

All That Glitters

All That Glitters

8x8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

Looking towards Seven Mile Beach from the perfect picnic spot of Point View in Waskesiu on  glittery and shimmery day.

I have painted en plein air on that pebble beach and I am dreaming of it now.

Ten New 8x8's Delivered to DBG!

new 8x8 inch oil paintings

$200.00 each

available at Darrell Bell Gallery

Frigid Sunrise

8x8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

I just delivered a new batch of work to Darrell Bell Gallery and I am pumped! I tried some new things, got bold with colour and now have more ideas for larger paintings!

"Frigid Sunrise" is a view from River Landing down from the Farmer's Market looking toward the Sid Buckwold Bridge. The sunlight is bending around buildings located on Victoria Avenue: one is Victoria Place and the other is The Pinnacle. It was a difficult effect to get.

I also gave the Northern Lights a try in one of the paintings! I will post individual photos over the coming days.

Hope you like this new batch.